 Do you have a passion for helping your community? Are you looking for opportunities as a law school student to get involved now? Here are some tips for how you can start helping local organizations while you are a student: Tip #1: Join a Student Organization on Campus. Many campus organizations find community service projects for the group to do together. For instance, at WMU Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Tampa Bay, the Florida Association for Women Lawyers (FAWL) collaborated with Meals on Wheels. FAWL members delivered fresh produce to senior citizens in the Tampa Bay area. Students got to build a connection with Meals on Wheels, individuals in their community, and with each other. Tip #2: Reach Out to Local Non-Profits. Representatives from non-profits and other community service organizations are willing to help you find an opportunity. All you have to do is go to their website, look for their contact information, and send an email or make a phone call. They are always looking for volunteers, and most are willing to be flexible with your schedule. For example, the NOMORE Foundation seeks to connect people who are looking to end slavery, poverty, human trafficking, and more. If you have a passion for one of these causes, you can find available outreach projects on NOMORE's website: https://fornomore.org/volunteer2021/. Tip #3: Ask Other Students, Faculty, and Staff at Your School. Share your interests with individuals at your school. There's a good chance that someone will be able to connect you to the right resource or person who can assist you in fulfilling your community service goals. Don't be afraid to share what you are passionate about with others. You might be able to find a common connection between yourself and one of your peers. Doing community service as a group can help you build meaningful relationships. Tip #4: Join a Pro Bono Challenge. Florida hosts the Florida Pro Bono Law School Challenge for students. The competition allows students to work with local legal aid organizations and to have real world experience with clients. The Florida Bar Foundation hosts this opportunity, and the Foundation's mission is "to promote public service among lawyers by making it an integral part of the law school experience." This is a fantastic way for students to start getting involved in pro bono work early and to connect with lawyers who can share their advice and insight about the process. Tip #5: Reach Out to Your Local Bar Association. Several local bar associations have service opportunities for students to join. If you become a student member of your local bar association, you can subscribe to the email updates and newsletters. You will receive information regarding upcoming events and community service projects. For instance, the Hillsborough County Bar Association (HCBA) hosted its 18th Annual Judicial Food Festival & 13th Annual 5K Pro Bono River Run this past weekend. Students had the chance to volunteer with the 5K committee to help with race setup and support. This is just one example of the many outreach events that are offered. Participating in service projects as a student allows you to get involved early, to connect with individuals in your community, and to assist local organizations with their mission work. Comment below to share any of your experiences doing community service work! Scholar Presentation Success!On April 16, 2022, our scholars gave presentations about their experiences in the program and their future plans. The recording will be available for viewing on the website shortly. Thanks to our Keynote Tammy Briant Spratling and our sponsors!   2022 Law Day Writing & Art Competition WinnersRnext 1st place: Christian Guettler, Thurgood Marshall Fundamental Middle School Artwork - colored pencil 2nd place: Ella Owens Coleman Middle School Fictional Short Story - Untitled 3rd place: Ava Farchione Coleman Middle School Nonfiction Essay "How the Judicial Branch Reflects the Rights of US Citizens" The essays will be available to read on our next Blog post at www.journeytoesquire. 
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AuthorJoseline J. Hardrick is the Founder and President of Diversity Access Pipeline, Inc. She is also an author, professor, and lawyer and resides in Tampa Bay, Florida. Guest bloggers are students in the Journey to Esquire® Scholarship & Leadership Program. Archives
November 2023
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